Winners: Jason Conduit and Roger Humphrey, 9News, “Driver’s Rampage”

Judges’ Citation:

Jason’s entry represents aerial news camerawork at the very edge of what the platform allows. Operating a communal helicopter camera under extreme time pressure, restricted airspace, and an unfolding, unpredictable police pursuit, Jason demonstrated exceptional technical mastery, situational awareness, and editorial judgement, pushing the camera to its absolute limits from over 2000 feet.

Clear, precise communication with pilot Roger Humphrey enabled sustained coverage, with Jason maintaining consistently usable and compelling images while the aircraft manoeuvred to ensure safe separation. Beyond the technical challenge, the footage captured the scale, danger, and public impact of the offending with clarity and restraint, never losing narrative focus. This work elevated a fleeting, chaotic event into a globally broadcast story and stands as a benchmark for expertise, composure, and innovation in helicopter news camerawork.

Highly Commended

Ryan Mason, 9News, “Sheep Dogs”

Shortlisted

Patrick Rocca, ABC News Breakfast, “This Place: The Story of the Birrarung (Yarra River)”

Sam Steele and Roger Humphrey, 7NEWS, “Hiking Tragedy”